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Despite a fair few niggling gripes with it, Deep Sky Derelicts is a damn fine game. As far as roguelikes go, it manages to be something new and different while still staying true to all the things that make the genre great. It’s stands out in an overcrowded genre on the ingenuity of its setting and a few unique mechanics. It can be brutal at times, but compelling enough to get you through it. I played a lot more than I need to. It’s a solid example of a tried and tested genre. For their second game, and their first PC title, this is an excellent showing from Snowhound Games. I look forward to their next offering. If you want to see more reviews like this, head on over to https://opencritic.com/and look for us there.
Effie does well to pay homage to the platforming classics of the early console wars. The game has a lot to offer both visually and aurally, and the game’s enjoyment is found in adventuring and platforming your way through the open world, solving puzzles as you go. Effie deserves your time.
The feeling of tension and anxiety and fear of what might lurk around the corner are hallmarks of the horror genre. But eventually those feelings will fade when you realize the monster is usually behind you, and it’s the story that needs to do the heavy lifting. Dollhouse hits that point early and often because of its repetitive gameplay. The true enjoyment from Dollhouse is found not in its empty environments or repetitive tasks, but in slowly piecing together the history of the characters in the story. But it doesn’t change the fact that by the end, I just wanted it to be over. This is one movie that you shouldn’t rush to the theater to see.
I don’t believe Eko Software have made an ARPG before, let alone one based on such a storied franchise, so I applaud them for tackling such a project. Luckily for Eko Software and Bigben Interactive they’re onto a winner. The game looks and feels like an ARPG made by an experienced team, and it’s a more than worthy entrant into the top tier of Warhammer games. There are some issues with music and textures, and the “pay to revive” mechanic does make dying a lot less of a problem. One thing to note is the Season Pass. Plans include content that enhances characters, thus making the game easier. There is also additional story content scheduled for DLC four. The first two DLC packs will confer new passive skills and a new skill tree to players. Packs three and four will include new companions and story content. As the Season Pass technically allows players to have an advantage over non-paying players, it warrants mentioning. Nonetheless, Eko Software have done a fine job and should be very proud of themselves.
Team Sonic Racing is an enjoyable Kart Racer that manages to stand out against even the best of its competition. While it has some deep flaws with connectivity and frame rate while online, and a useless ranked system, it delivers one of the greatest single-player experiences in the genre. An experience that can be the exact same with up to three other local players too. The game has a wonderful soundtrack, great designs, and manages to be one of the most unique games out there in terms on teamwork mechanics. It reminds me of Splatoon 2 in many ways, but as its racing counterpart.
Bedtime Digital Games filled Figment with so much charm and whimsy that it’s just a shame there isn’t more of it. Before I knew it, I had captured all three of the escaped fears, and my journey was over. I found myself wishing there were more to the ending. But there isn’t. But as I’ve stated numerous times in this review, Figment isn’t really here to make you think too hard. The subject matter makes it seem like there should be more weight to everything, but its chill pace contradicts this. While it can be too slow at times, with its leisurely pace and cool music, it’s up to the player to decide if they think the game is “chill” or whether it’s shallow of content. And as I wished for more challenge at times, both in content and message, I wavered between the two. And ultimately, that’s what’s on my mind.
Wasteland 2: Director’s Cut is an extremely in-depth RPG. It has so much wonderful world building that you can’t help but be enticed despite some issues with the combat system, a general lack of direction, and some messy UI components. The many issues that the game had originally as well have been patched up. So, this port manages to be a worthwhile experience, despite some issues players may have with the game.
If you came late to the series, never played V2 and are a fan, Sniper Elite V2 Remastered is a must-play and a great deal with all of the bundled items including the DLC. For those who have followed the series since the beginning, V2 Remastered does look much better and play much better but whether you wish to play through the same adventure again is a matter of personal taste. Just be aware that the gameplay is exactly how you remembered it, a far cry from the sequels.
Doughlings: Arcade is a fun, albeit repetitive experience that’s saving grace is its level creator. Arcade fans and block breaker fans will definitely enjoy this game. It’s a simple, humorous adventure with enough to content to justify its low price. But beware the game’s flaws before deciding to pick it up.
Despite the potential that Fade to Silence has, there is no denying that this is a bad game. It suffers from poor game play, poor development, lack of polishing, a useless narrative, unbalanced difficulty, a lack of focus, outrageous levels of repetition, the problems with this game just go on and on. However, this doesn’t change one thing. I had a ton of fun with this game. The $49.99 price tag is really steep for the quality of the game you’re getting. But for a second, imagine that really god awful movie, that you love to death because of how fun that movie was to watch. That was Fade to Silence for me.
Overall, Bow to Blood: Last Captain Standing is a fun game, albeit flawed. The combat has a lot of potential, but it’s hurt by poor pacing. The story is also the bare minimum at best. For only $19.99 though, it has enough content, and quality, to leave you satisfied.
In my time playing Zombotron I experienced some really high ups, but also very annoying downs. I really love the aesthetic this game is going for and I think the gameplay is really fun once you give it time and become acclimated to it. The first run through the spaceship is really fun. I enjoyed getting more comfortable with the weapons I had and progressing through the rooms filled with a combination of aliens and zombies was a blast. Once I hit that first boss though, I instantly stopped having fun with the game and it honestly went downhill from there. The experience with the bosses really soured any goodwill I had towards this game. Without them, it’s not bad. I just cannot overlook how aggravating the experience with them is.
I found Battle for the Grid‘s gameplay to be a blast when playing locally with a friend. The easy inputs help new players get into the action quickly without having to overcome a huge learning curve. Power Rangers fans will love this game if they have someone they can consistently play with. The gameplay is smooth and the action is fine-tuned to allow for fast-paced combos. Sadly, everything else about this game makes it painfully clear that this was a budget title. Battle for the Grid is fun because of nWay’s devotion to creating an approachable fighting game with nods to its many predecessors. Other than that, I would not recommend Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid, especially if you’re looking for a game with a good amount of content and decent netcode. CultureOfGaming.com is your source for great review, news, podcasts, op-eds and more! Also, be sure to check out my other reviews of my interview with Black Panther’s voice actor James Mathis III or Shades of Magic author V.E. Schwab.
Earth Defense Force: Iron Rain continues the EDF tradition and lets you have fun blasting away thousands of alien monsters. Everyone might have their nitpicks, like repetition stemming from failing missions, but Yuke’s did just enough to advance the series. I hope that they have another chance with the franchise in the future.
It is one of those games that fills a niche genre; being that of an action, co-op side scroller. With that said, if you have a friend who plays action games with you, then yes, it fills that void well. Being a great source of mindlessness and door kicking. But for anyone else, this is not the game for you.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a fantastic game, that both previous and newcomers to the game’s style will be able to hop in and enjoy. The game is marked for it’s intense combat, strategic thinking, and beautiful world design, while only suffering from some minor polishing issues as well as a questionable amount of replayability.
Eternity: The Last Unicorn has a lot going against it. At times, it can remind you of the bad aspects of certain games from the early PS2 era. But that’s not to say it’s irredeemable. The interesting story, world exploration, and clear love of the Norse source material left me saying one thing. “You had so much more potential.” But if you temper your expectations, Eternity: The Last Unicorn can be a fun time.
Overall, Aragami: Shadow Edition delivers what it sets out to. An immensely good stealth-based adventure. While the rest of the game isn’t anything spectacular, stealth fans looking for a challenge will find one with this game. If you’re unfamiliar with the genre, or aren’t too keen to it normally, the story and game play won’t be enough to make it worth it, and the art and music won’t be enough to keep you invested. And the price won’t help justify it for many either.
The LEGO Movie 2 Videogame is an adventure best taken on your own terms. It’s a fun and imaginative experience that is at its best when you are collecting every character, item, and Master Piece in the game. The only things that hold it back are the long load times and the existence of previous MORE expansive titles in the LEGO Videogame franchise. So, while not everything in this game is awesome, it’s a journey I’m glad I made.
Treasure Stack has something going for it. It’s fun and seriously challenging and has a good and varied multiplayer. With some post-launch support, this game could easily become a must-grab. Treasure Stack makes its big splash on March 1st, 2019. It will be released for both PC and Console platforms. The game was developed and published by Pixelakes LLC and sells for $19.99.